What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry positive or negative charges.  When they are dissolved in blood or tissues of the body and bind with another ion, they can make a ‘salt’.  The main electrolytes are sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium and calcium.  A horse’s body cannot retain water without the presence of electrolytes and so the electrolytes help to preserve the correct balance of fluids in the body’s cells. Electrolytes are also involved in muscle function and the processing of wastes. Electrolytes can be lost through sweat, urine and faeces and deficiencies can cause dehydration, impaired performance and may exacerbate problems such as azoturia (a muscle disorder).  Visible signs of deficiencies can include a dull coat, sunken eyes, listlessnessand dark urine.  

When does a horse need extra electrolytes?

Sodium Chloride (salt) should be available at all times in the form of a salt block and intake should be monitored, especially in hot weather. Alternatively, some people add salt to their horse’s diet each day. 

However, during periods of competition and training, electrolyte losses can massively increase, especially during hot weather. Supplementary electrolytes can be added to water or if the horse is a poor drinker or there simply is no opportunity to replace fluid losses, electrolytes can be fed to the horse instead.

As a general rule, supplementary electrolytes should be given:

•             In situations of hard work and hot and/or humid weather.

•             When the horse is under some kind of unusual stress.

•             When the horse is sweating profusely.

•             When the horse is working harder or longer than he is used to.

Electrolytes should be given according to the instructions on the electrolyte product that you purchase- feeding recommendations will vary depending on the reason why you’re feeding your horse electrolytes. Horses who are given electrolytes need to be consuming adequate water.  

Garlic is one of the most common herbs that is fed to horses, and it’s not a new idea, garlic has been fed to help support health for many, many years.

There are many reasons why someone might decide to add garlic to the horse’s feed. It can be used to help support the horse’s respiratory system, to aid good digestion, to help the immune system and more. In the summer months, many people choose to add garlic to their horse’s diet, whether in form of a lick, powder, granule, liquid or flake, to help naturally repel insects as flies aren’t fans of this rather smelly herb. If you don’t like the smell of garlic yourself, you might find feeding it help repel flies a bit much!

As with everything, you can have too much of a good thing, so it’s important to follow the supplement manufacturer’s guidelines if you opt to add garlic to your horse’s diet. Too much garlic can cause anaemia and this can compromise the horse’s stamina, energy and general health. The best advice is to follow the guidelines on the product you buy and to speak to your vet or the supplement company itself if you have any questions about yourhorse and the use of their product.

Apple cider vinegar (which is also referred to as ACV) is made from pulverized apples. Vinegar can be made through the fermentation of many materials but the vinegar made from apple cider is considered to be a fantastic herbal remedy for humans and also horses! Apple Cider Vinegar is part of horse-health folklore and has been used for many years as a valuable supplement for many reasons.

There are lots of reasons why people might add ACV to their horse’s diet. It’s said to help repel flies, aid digestion, promote a shiny coat, support joints and a whole lot more. It’s a good source of vitamin A and C, as well as minerals calcium and phosphorus.

It is advised to use raw apple cider vinegar with the “mother” in it. The motheris a culture of living enzymes and other nutrients which are largely responsible for many of the beneficial properties of the vinegar.